Hello all!

Howdy!

The audiences all seem to be enjoying the show!!! I've heard lots of great feedback! You should all be proud. A lot of hard work has been put into this show and for that I want to say thank you! I really appreciate everything you've all done for this show!

After the show today, you all get a break. Please take that time to rest up, get well, but also to keep your lines and songs fresh...

Troupers...you get to have off until Thursday! Let's make call time for Thursday 6:30 to go over the songs to be sure.

The cast...we need to meet next Wednesday at 7:00 pm to run through the show, please. We want to make sure that Dave, who will be playing Wendell on Thursday, can see where he needs to be and when.

I won't be there today, but I know you're all going to do an amazing job (as usual!)! :)

THANK YOU!!!

Jared

Regarding Tonight, Thursday, December 3, 2015, and Saturday, December 6, 2015

Please read the whole e-mail! 

Hello everyone! I am planning to be at the theatre between 11 and 11:30 tomorrow morning. If anyone else is available to come help with set, gathering, painting, etc... please feel free to stop by. Be sure to let me know that you're coming though, because I would hate to leave thinking that no one was coming, only to have you show up to a locked door. For safety reasons, I may keep the door locked unless I have someone staying in the lobby. If you are coming, send me a text to: 678-491-4582. We may be there on Friday as well, depending on how things go tomorrow. 

Please remember that this rehearsal will be a full dress rehearsal, so make sure that you come ready with your costumes. We will have photographers there for publicity and for our purposes. I am also going to videotape tomorrow night. The first thing we are going to do Sunday is to watch the video and critique ourselves...so be prepared to bring "it" tomorrow night!

If you've helped with the set build to this point, please make sure I have your name to add to the program. Do you have any people to thank? I need that information also. Finally, I'll have a copy of the program...if you haven't checked it yet, Please make sure you do. I would hate for your bio to not be what you expected it to be.  

If anyone has pool noodles they would like to get rid of, please make sure to bring them tomorrow night. I need lots of them to build the throne. Also, we are still looking for toys to put onto the shelves. Most of these will be donated after the show, so anything you bring make sure that that's what you want to do with it. If you want your toy(s) back, make sure you get it(them) off the shelf as soon as the show is over on the 20th.

I am going to have comp tickets soon. You will need to initial that you have received them. I will also provide information as to how to use them. If you have any questions about them, let me know. Three things to keep in mind is that they are only good for the first weekend, they are essentially the ticket itself, so they must be handed in when the interested parties come to see the show, and reservations must be made ahead of time. 

Tomorrow night after rehearsal I would like to record all the recorded speeches for the show, as well as your reasons why your favorite Christmas song is your favorite Christmas song, so as soon as rehearsal is over, please don't run away. Make sure I get that recording. Alternately, if you would like to record it yourself using your iPhone or android phone, you may do so. Just make sure that there's no noise in the background and it's as clear as possible

Finally, below, I am including information about the Volunteer Spot sign-up. Please follow the link and sign up to bring something for Sunday. When everyone has signed up, I will bring things that are not spoken for. 

I think that's it, I'll see you tomorrow! Thank you!

Jared

VOLUNTEER SPOT LINK In case you didn't see the e-mail from Volunteer Link): 

http://vols.pt/dVv4s4

We're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online Sign-up and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming Sign-ups.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link to see our Sign-Up on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/dVv4s4

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot.

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

December 6, 2015, Snack and Dinner: Please sign up

FREE Online Sign Ups for Groups, Schools, Teams, Nonprofits & More December 6, 2015, Snack and Dinner: Please sign up Here's a message from your VolunteerSpot organizer, Jared Wright and Kirsten VanWagner, Directors: Dear jaredcwright.twasdirector, Please click the link below to learn more and sign up to help. Coordinate with others who are signed up to bring things in your category, please.  Thanks for making a difference! Sign Up Now / Learn More To invite your friends to Sign Up, Click here --Or send them this link: http://vols.pt/dVv4s4 ** Please DO NOT forward this message. The above links are coded for your specific email address (jaredcwright.twasdirector@blogger.com) only. ** Organizing holiday volunteers? Try VolunteerSpot. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY to this email, reply messages get sent to a computer who does not read email! You may contact Jared Wright and Kirsten VanWagner, Directors directly at stgec75@gmail.com. If you found this email in your junk, spam, or bulk folder, please add mail@volunteerspot.com to your address book. Unable to get the buttons and links to work?  Paste this url into your browser: http://vols.pt/oQJNbQ Or try and click here Click here to manage your email preferences or to unsubscribe. Message sent at 2015-12-03 07:55:05 +0000

Twas Things...11/30/2015

Hello all!

Good rehearsal tonight...considering this was the first night for us to put so many elements together, I think things went according to plan. We just need to build on what we did last night and improve. I know you all know this, but we open NEXT week. So... I would really like for you all to seriously focus on everything: lines, projection, characterization, slowing it down, and generally just being awesome you! :) In particular, focus on getting your lines as they are in the script and getting the lines out of your mouth so that they are understood by everyone, even those in the sound booth. Also...please try to stop fidgeting and shuffling on stage. I know it's second nature sometimes, but it's also VERY distracting to the audience if you're moving. Next to not understanding the lines you're speaking, these kinds of movements also detract from the show.

Parents of the Snow-Storm-Troupers (get it? in light of Star Wars opening soon?), please let us know your children's clothing sizes so that we may get them costumes. We need shirts, dresses, and pants sizes, if at all possible. The wee lasses will need to provide tights in whichever Christmas shade they prefer. They can be green, red, white, green and red, and any combination of either. Patterns are even okay.

EVERYONE: Thursday will be our first full dress. I am going to invite people (or I might do it myself) to take photos for publicity, so we all need to be in as many costume pieces as possible.

As you have noticed...and I hope you've noticed, because it's been on the calendar since day one (!): We have a LONG rehearsal scheduled for this coming Sunday. In the middle portion of the rehearsal, we will stop to eat. Everyone will need to bring something to share with everyone else. I am going to set up a volunteer sign-up for that day. There will only be a certain number of options, so if you prefer bringing desserts over main meal-type things...then sign up for those quickly.

I will be there each day, Tuesday (tonight) and this coming Thursday as early as 6. I would recommend trying to get there early to go over things like the sword fights and the songs. We should really start our run at 7. PLEASE stop being late to rehearsal.

So that I know you are paying attention and reading the e-mail...please answer the following questions with either a yes or a no. :)

1. Are we interested in doing a Secret Santa among the Cast and/or Cast/Crew? I am thinking that we should keep it under $10, if we decide to do this.

2. Are we interested in getting t-shirts for the show? If so, do any of you have access to a reasonably inexpensive screen printing company?

Does anyone have any questions about the show, STG, or any combination of the two? If so, let me know!

THANK YOU!

Jared

 

Re: Twas Ponderings...

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up in case you were coming to work call at Southside Theatre Guild today that I'm running a little bit late. I should be there as soon as possible thanks.

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 25, 2015, at 1:59 PM, Jad <jaredcwright@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello everyone, (to let me know you've read the e-mail...please look at #2 and reply with your selections)

Before I get into the bulk of the e-mail...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

1. Mike, Brandon, Jackson, Sarah, Jenna, Eric, and Sage...Thank you for submitting your bios! Everyone else... BOO.  Kidding. Please submit your BIO <NOW>!!! I have to get them formatted and put into the program and I am running out of time. Jennifer, can I please have one for Dave as well?  

Follow this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UWuxkuDs8NppYEkcOQW1XIbvhnHLcMFrSTrUh-v0-bg/viewform

...or go to the blog (twasatstg.blogspot.com) and complete/submit it please! 

2. Food for thought. For pre-show and intermission music, I want to use YOUR favorite Christmas songs. Please do not pick something just to be funny. Please select something that is truly your favorite song. Along with this, I would like to record each of you telling me who you are, who you play, the name of your song, and why it's your favorite song. I will then put it all together to use for the shows. PLEASE come to rehearsal on Monday with this information in mind. In the event that more than one of you submit the same song, which may be feasible, depending on the artist...I want to get your top three (3). This way, I have options. I will let you know on Monday if you have to go with a backup. Does this make sense?

3. We are still looking for a Santa to come in for photos with the kiddos before the show. We can offer this person a stipend for their help...it won't be a ton, but it'll be something. We are also flexible about WHEN we do this, but we need to solidify SOON so that we can get publicity out. 

4. If you haven't had your headshot taken...be there on Monday. Speaking of...PLEASE miss no more rehearsals. We need everyone there and we need to be uber focused. 

5. PLEASE go over your lines while you're away this week. And if you're part of the song...learn it! This is 

6. I sent this out on Facebook. Please consider doing the same. Also...consider coming to help if you can. :) 

HAPPY (early) THANKSGIVING! :) Just a quick plea for help... we are having a work call THIS Saturday, November 28, 2015, from 10 am until 2-4 pm (or later). We have lots of little projects to complete, so if you're handy at, well...anything... we would definitely appreciate your help. We will be decorating, cleaning, organizing, planning, constructing, running electrical, gathering, and so on. PLEASE consider coming at the very least for a little, because..."Many hands make light work!" THANK YOU!!!

7. We are still looking for a charity that will accept our toy donation after the show on December 20, 2015. So far it looks like most places stop accepting toys on December 17. That won't work for us, unfortunately. Also, if you have any toys to donate to us, please let me know. 

8. Remember, we have a rehearsal/performance on December 8, 2015, for Christian City. We are also hoping to invite any family, friends, and industry types as well. This is a great way to have an audience who will give us great feedback and provide "noise" to help you know when to pause for laughter, etc... Please tell people about this, but there are a few rules to bear in mind... 

• The lower half of the theatre is reserved for Christian City and others who may not be able to get up the stairs so easily. 
  
• Anyone who comes (Christian City is exempt from this) should do one of the following...pay what they want (nothing is not acceptable), OR bring in a few cans of food for food donations.
  
• It should be understood that while this is a performance...it is also still a final rehearsal...that means that if we need to stop for whatever reason...we will. 

I can't think of anything else currently...so...

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday (or Monday, if not Saturday). 

THANK YOU!

Jared

 

Twas Ponderings...

Hello everyone, (to let me know you've read the e-mail...please look at #2 and reply with your selections)

Before I get into the bulk of the e-mail...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

1. Mike, Brandon, Jackson, Sarah, Jenna, Eric, and Sage...Thank you for submitting your bios! Everyone else... BOO.  Kidding. Please submit your BIO <NOW>!!! I have to get them formatted and put into the program and I am running out of time. Jennifer, can I please have one for Dave as well?  

Follow this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UWuxkuDs8NppYEkcOQW1XIbvhnHLcMFrSTrUh-v0-bg/viewform

...or go to the blog (twasatstg.blogspot.com) and complete/submit it please! 

2. Food for thought. For pre-show and intermission music, I want to use YOUR favorite Christmas songs. Please do not pick something just to be funny. Please select something that is truly your favorite song. Along with this, I would like to record each of you telling me who you are, who you play, the name of your song, and why it's your favorite song. I will then put it all together to use for the shows. PLEASE come to rehearsal on Monday with this information in mind. In the event that more than one of you submit the same song, which may be feasible, depending on the artist...I want to get your top three (3). This way, I have options. I will let you know on Monday if you have to go with a backup. Does this make sense?

3. We are still looking for a Santa to come in for photos with the kiddos before the show. We can offer this person a stipend for their help...it won't be a ton, but it'll be something. We are also flexible about WHEN we do this, but we need to solidify SOON so that we can get publicity out. 

4. If you haven't had your headshot taken...be there on Monday. Speaking of...PLEASE miss no more rehearsals. We need everyone there and we need to be uber focused. 

5. PLEASE go over your lines while you're away this week. And if you're part of the song...learn it! This is 

6. I sent this out on Facebook. Please consider doing the same. Also...consider coming to help if you can. :) 

HAPPY (early) THANKSGIVING! :) Just a quick plea for help... we are having a work call THIS Saturday, November 28, 2015, from 10 am until 2-4 pm (or later). We have lots of little projects to complete, so if you're handy at, well...anything... we would definitely appreciate your help. We will be decorating, cleaning, organizing, planning, constructing, running electrical, gathering, and so on. PLEASE consider coming at the very least for a little, because..."Many hands make light work!" THANK YOU!!!

7. We are still looking for a charity that will accept our toy donation after the show on December 20, 2015. So far it looks like most places stop accepting toys on December 17. That won't work for us, unfortunately. Also, if you have any toys to donate to us, please let me know. 

8. Remember, we have a rehearsal/performance on December 8, 2015, for Christian City. We are also hoping to invite any family, friends, and industry types as well. This is a great way to have an audience who will give us great feedback and provide "noise" to help you know when to pause for laughter, etc... Please tell people about this, but there are a few rules to bear in mind... 

• The lower half of the theatre is reserved for Christian City and others who may not be able to get up the stairs so easily. 
  
• Anyone who comes (Christian City is exempt from this) should do one of the following...pay what they want (nothing is not acceptable), OR bring in a few cans of food for food donations.
  
• It should be understood that while this is a performance...it is also still a final rehearsal...that means that if we need to stop for whatever reason...we will. 

I can't think of anything else currently...so...

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday (or Monday, if not Saturday). 

THANK YOU!

Jared

 

Re: A few things...

Will send to Seth, and reiterate tomorrow when I see him.

So pretend Seth/My initials are by all of the points...

We will try to come Saturday...is there any particular props/decorations you need?  I will try to pull all my stuff for the lobby area that we used for Robert Ray several years ago.

Santa - do you want an actual Santa like person or someone who will dress up like Santa?

We are out of town Sunday-Wednesday because of our Thanksgiving week having to be home for Football for Devon's marching band...so we are driving to Ohio Sunday and coming back Wednesday...So Seth will miss Monday/any other and possibly the Dec 3 because of the Toby Mac concert...which he still hasn't decided if he is going to or not...

Please let me know if you want cookies/goodies baked or if you want banners/signs made or any such crafty stuff like that!

Thanks, Judy 

On Wednesday, November 18, 2015 2:38 AM, Jad <jaredcwright@gmail.com> wrote:

This is another long one and just to be sure everyone is getting my e-mails...please reply and initial at the end of each of the eight (8) points. I really appreciate it! 

1st... This is a great version of The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy as sung by Pentatonix... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt3oAyK_IG8

2nd... This is the link to the Dropbox folder that contains the rap songs we are using for the show. Please...DO NOT delete, move, or remove (in any way) any of these. I think there should be an option to download them...do that instead. LINK: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/i8zws8rnoiyjoc5/AAAhhjxlBGYxh5f6qKIdke1na?dl=0

3rd... As you know, we only have a few weekends left to complete the set...including the airplane. This means we need as many hands on deck as possible. There are LOTS of projects that need to be done, that will include: painting, building, cleaning, props finding & gathering, organizing, decorating, etc... So please don't skip it thinking that there won't be something to do. There will be! Also, if you have anyone you can recruit to bring with you, their help would be appreciated as well. Not to mention, they will get their name in the program and possibly some free food of some kind...There are to do lists on the stage and in the lobby in the event that you need something to do. :) I will be there from 10 until I have to go to my family Thanksgiving and then I'll be back afterward. Probably around 1-1.5 hours. We can choose to make that a lunch break or someone can take over for me until I get back.

4th... Please please please work on saying all of your lines (double check your lines so that you're saying everything that's written on the page-if at all possible) clearly, without skipping any consonants, with projection (louder, but without hurting your voice), and without moving unnecessarily. It's really coming together. Let's make sure that everyone who is paying to see the show (and those who aren't) have the absolute best show possible...I know we can do it!

5th... Remember...we are going to do head shots on Monday. Dress the way you think your character would dress for head shots. We will do the rest! Also, we DO have a rehearsal that night for those who are going to be around. Please refresh my memory if you've told me that you aren't going to be there so we won't count on you being there. 

6th... Everyone...from here on out, please be at rehearsal and be on time if you're supposed to be there! No more additional missed rehearsals. If we don't know about an absence by now, that's not cool.

7th... We are looking for two people...If any of you know of someone/anyone who would be willing to step into Wendell's part for the one (1) performance, let us know. We are also looking for someone to play Santa on both Saturdays of the run. They would need to be there as early as 11 a.m. and go until just about time for the show. We are hoping to be able to pay a small stipend for the Santa character. We are hoping to do a milk (or water...)/cookies with Santa thing to include a photo and tickets to the show that evening. Some kind of package deal...The Santa details are negotiable.

8th... Unfortunately, it is too much of a distraction to have anyone in the auditorium other than the actors and crew, so from now on, please do not hang out in the auditorium during rehearsals.

I think that's it. Kirsten, if you have anything to add, please feel free!

Thank you all for being so awesome!

Jared